U.S. Agrees to Support French in Mali with Plane Refueling

By

Adam Entous

Jan. 27, 2013 12:42 a.m. ET

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration has agreed to provide air tankers to refuel French warplanes targeting rebels in Mali, officials said Saturday, sharply expanding the level of U.S. involvement in the campaign.

The move reflects a shift towards a greater American role despite initial reservations by the White House, wary of getting pulled into a new conflict.